Volume
19 , Issue
3
May/June 2004
Pages 431–437

In the atrophic posterior maxilla, placement of longer (at least 10 mm) and wider diameter implants
may significantly improve long-term results, but sinus grafting is often necessary to provide sufficient
bone volume for implant support. The crestal approach to sinus augmentation requires penetration of
the sinus floor with surgical instruments that are often difficult to control; there is a high risk of damaging
the schneiderian membrane. Fabricating a round cutting rim at the apical end of a single-stage
tapered implant can provide a controlled method of gently penetrating the sinus floor prior to grafting
and placement of the definitive implant. In soft type 4 bone, the single-stage tapered implant design
can help to enhance initial stabilization through lateral osteocondensation of the receptor site. Localized
sinus elevation with osteocompression utilizing single-stage tapered implants may offer a simplified
approach to the complex clinical challenge of successfully restoring the atrophic posterior maxilla.
INT J ORAL MAXILLOFAC IMPLANTS 2004;19:431–437

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